Water management
Subtitle: the use of stars in Oman
By: Harriet Nash
Series: BAR international series -- 2237; Society for Arabian Studies monographs -- no. 11; BAR international series -- 2237.; Society for Arabian Studies monographs -- no. 11.
Publisher: Archaeopress
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Oxford
Language: eng
Number of pages: 122
ISBN-13: 9781407307992
Subjects: Social life and customs; Irrigation; Water-supply; Astronomy; Land settlement; Agriculture
Description: "The study presents fast disappearing information on the ethnography of agricultural communities in northern Oman and especially on the use of stars. It aims to identify the stars used and record the methods of stargazing in sufficient detail that the systems could be replicated if all local knowledge were lost. It also aims to raise awareness and improve the understanding of the significance of the traditional use of the stars in irrigated agriculture. This aspect of the cultural heritage of the region has not been written about previously in such detail. The main reason for the continued use of stars by a few communities, even though wristwatches are now widely available, is thought to be adherence to tradition both for its own sake and to avoid disputes over the sharing of water. It is considered unlikely that this ancient practice will survive more than 10 or 20 years unless the younger generation takes an interest in learning, and putting into practice, the traditions of their forefathers"--Publisher's web site.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 120-122).